General Guidelines

“Right Tree – Right Place” is the overarching goal of City street planting.

Diversify tree species – no more than 10% of a species planted in a neighborhood or the city as a whole, thus minimizing the probability of disease or blight having a major impact on our urban forest.

Show a preference for native tree species which provide food and habitat for native insects, butterflies, birds,
and mammals

Plant drought-tolerant and stress-tolerant species whenever possible.

Locate a tree every 25-30 feet along the street.

Plant trees that mature at a maximum height of 25 feet under power lines to help eliminate tree and power line
conflicts. Trees planted under power lines must meet minimum setbacks required by Power Company.

Trees listed for under power lines are for general guidance only. Placement of trees under power lines can vary.
Each area must be evaluated based on individual conditions

Encourage residents to plant trees in their yards rather than utility strips, giving trees room to grow and thrive.
The City of Fredericksburg Free Tree Program is available to all who are interested.

Plant trees that do not have aggressive roots, reducing long term care costs for sidewalk replacement, and plant
smaller trees in narrow utility strips, leaving room for roots to grow.

Place the largest maturing tree possible in the planting area provided for maximum tree benefits.

Multi-stem trees and shrubs shall not be planted in city utility strips. Only single stem Crape Myrtles can be
planted when there is no other alternative.

Plant trees that have minimum litter and smaller leaves in the downtown area and in areas that have high
pedestrian traffic.

Sizes indicated on Street Tree List are minimum planting size for that tree species. Tree cannot be planted in
utility strips that are narrower than guidelines allow

No more than 10% of a species planted in one neighborhood. Areas that are difficult to diversify may be
exempted from this requirement by the City Arborist.

Multi stem trees and evergreen trees shall not be planted in city utility strips.

If a specific varietal is named in the City Street Tree List– that is the only varietal that may be planted

Only single stem Crepe Myrtles can be planted and only if the following conditions apply:

In extremely hot area surrounded entirely by cement with small tree well

Along streets that have large truck/ or bus traffic that can impact tree canopy

In utility strips that are narrower than 36 inches

Under transmission power lines (high voltage federal power lines) when no other tree can be placed as per Federal regulations.